Is your electricity bill too high? Learn what you can do to increase energy efficiency.
High electricity bills can be stressful and frustrating. You may even think that you are already doing all you can to decrease your home energy use, yet you don’t see a decrease in your bill. However, many families will waste energy in a variety of ways, often without knowing that they are doing so. If you want to know which home appliances or features may be raising your electricity bill and what you can do to reverse the trend, read on.
Why Might Your Electric Bill Be High?
There are a few common reasons why your electric bill may be higher than expected.
- Inefficient Light: when you illuminate an entire room with an overhead light, this can waste energy. It is better to use smaller lamps throughout the room, only lighting the area you need at the time. Additionally, some light bulbs use more energy than others.
- Improper Appliance Usage: when you run a partially-full washing machine or dishwasher, you use just as much electricity as when you run a full load. Use your appliances smarter, and you can take significant steps to reduce your bill.
- Inefficient mechanical systems: using dirty air filters or housing your electric water heater in an unheated basement are two instances in which your mechanical systems may have to work harder and use more energy to do their job.
Make Sure Your Appliances Are Off
To begin reducing your electricity bill, you can make sure that all of your appliances are off. Computers, TVs, and coffee machines are examples of devices that switch to standby mode when turned off. This allows them to power up quickly, but being on standby mode 24/7 uses a lot of power. To reduce this power consumption, you may consider powering these appliances with power strips. When you are done using the device, and overnight when you’re asleep, you can shut off the power strip.
Upgrade Old Mechanical Systems
If major appliances like your refrigerator, dishwasher, or air conditioner are more than ten years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace them. New machines and mechanical systems are designed to be more energy-efficient than those produced even a few years ago.
Consult an Expert Electrician
If you want to know the best decisions to make to decrease your electricity bill and power usage, consult with the expert electricians at TriStar Electric. Our experts know the best efficient appliances and home lighting solutions that can make a significant difference in your energy use.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
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